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iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement

What you need

  1. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Prepare your iPad for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Allow your iPad's battery to fully drain before starting this repair. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged during the repair.

    • Unplug any cables and fully shut down your iPad.

  2. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the iPad—the screen and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.

  3. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next three steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down three steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle backward to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Place an object under your iPad so it rests level between the suction cups.

    • Position the suction cups near the middle of the right edge—one on the top, and one on the bottom.

    • Hold the bottom of the Anti-Clamp steady and firmly press down on the top cup to apply suction.

    • If you find that the surface of your iPad is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, use tape to create a grippier surface.

  4. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

  5. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • If your screen isn't getting hot enough, you can use a hair dryer to heat along the right edge of the iPad.

    • For complete instructions on how to use a hair dryer, check out this guide.

    • Insert an opening pick under the screen when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle clockwise half a turn.

    • Don't crank more than a half a turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next step.

  6. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • If your screen is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

    • Apply a suction handle to the screen as close to the center of the right edge as possible.

    • Pull up on the suction handle with a strong, steady force to create a small gap between the frame and screen.

    • The large screen is very fragile. Only create a gap big enough to insert an opening pick.

    • If you're having trouble making a gap, reapply a heated iOpener to the right edge for two minutes.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

    • Don't insert the pick more than 5 mm to avoid damaging the screen.

  7. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Right edge information: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Right edge information: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Right edge information: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • There are two 2 cm-long magnets along the right edge of the screen. Don't insert your opening pick more than 2 mm to avoid damaging the screen in these locations:

    • The first magnet begins about 3 cm from the top of the iPad.

    • The second magnet begins about 3 cm from the bottom of the iPad.

    • Everywhere else, don't insert your opening pick more than 5 mm.

  8. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Slide your opening pick along the right edge of the screen to separate the adhesive.

    • Angle your pick downward and insert up to a 2 mm depth near the magnet cutouts and 5 mm everywhere else.

    • Leave the pick inserted in the bottom right corner before continuing.

  9. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the corner adhesive: step 9, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the corner adhesive: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Slide your opening pick around the bottom right corner of the screen to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave your pick in the bottom right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  10. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the screen for two minutes.

  11. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a second opening pick under the bottom right corner of the screen.

    • Don't insert your opening pick more than 5 mm.

    • Slide your pick to the bottom left corner to separate the bottom adhesive.

  12. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the corner adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the corner adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Rotate your opening pick around the bottom left corner of the screen.

    • Leave your pick in the bottom left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  13. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen for two minutes.

  14. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Left edge information: step 14, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Left edge information: step 14, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Left edge information: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • There are three cutouts along the left edge of the screen where the adhesive is very thin. Don't insert your opening pick more than 2 mm to avoid damaging the screen at these cutouts:

    • The upper cutout begins 4 cm from the top of the frame and is 3 cm long.

    • The middle cutout begins 12 cm from the top of the frame and is 3 cm long.

    • The bottom cutout is 4 cm from the bottom of the frame and is 3 cm long.

    • Everywhere else, don't insert your opening pick more than 5 mm.

  15. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the left adhesive: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the left adhesive: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the left adhesive: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a third opening pick under the bottom left corner of the screen.

    • Slide your pick to the top left corner to slice the left adhesive, making sure to avoid the cutouts shown in the previous step.

    • Leave the pick inserted in the top left corner before continuing.

  16. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the corner adhesive: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Slice the corner adhesive: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Slide your opening pick around the top left corner of the screen.

    • Leave your pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  17. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the top edge of the screen for two minutes.

  18. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Top edge information: step 18, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Top edge information: step 18, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Top edge information: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • While the top edge adhesive softens, note the following:

    • There are two ambient light sensors near the corners. Don't insert your pick more than 1 mm here.

    • The front-facing camera and additional sensors are in the center of the top edge. Don't insert your pick here—there is less than 1 mm of adhesive and you may damage the components.

    • For everywhere else, don't insert your pick more than 5 mm to avoid damaging the screen.

  19. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 19, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Slide your opening pick 9 cm toward the top right edge, stopping just before the camera assembly.

    • If you slide any farther, you risk damaging the camera's sensors.

    • Leave your pick inserted before continuing.

  20. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a new opening pick on the other side of the camera assembly, 4 cm from the previous pick.

    • Slide your pick to the top right corner to slice the remaining adhesive.

  21. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 21, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 21, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Don't fully remove the screen, as it's attached to the frame by several cables.

    • Grab two opposing corners of the screen and lift up to separate it from the frame.

    • If the screen feels stuck, slide your opening picks around the perimeter to separate any remaining adhesive. Pay attention to sensitive areas shown in previous steps.

    • Shift the screen towards the bottom right corner of the frame until the ribbon cable near the top edge is uncovered.

  22. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the upper cable shield: step 22, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy
    • Throughout this guide, keep track of each screw and reinstall it exactly where it came from.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the upper cable shield:

    • One 2.0 mm-long screw

    • One 1.8 mm-long screw

    • During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPad and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your iPad back down before you continue working.

  23. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the upper cable shield: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the upper cable shield: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to grab and remove the upper cable shield.

  24. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the upper sensors: step 24, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the upper sensors: step 24, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the upper sensors press connector.

    • To re-attach press connectors, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

  25. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 25, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 25, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Grip the right edge of the screen and open it like a book.

    • Don't pull up on the screen—the display cables are still attached.

    • Lay the screen down over the left edge of the iPad.

    • Be careful not to strain the display cables.

  26. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the display cable bracket: step 26, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five screws securing the display cable bracket:

    • Four 1.1 mm-long screws

    • One 2.0 mm-long screw

  27. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the display cable bracket.

  28. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the top display cables: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the top display cables: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the top display cables: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the two top display cable press connectors.

  29. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the bottom display cables: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the bottom display cables: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the bottom display cables: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the two bottom display cable press connectors.

  30. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the screen: step 30, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the screen: step 30, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the screen: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the screen.

  31. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the rear camera bracket: step 31, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 2.0 mm-long screws securing the rear camera bracket to the frame.

  32. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera bracket: step 32, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera bracket: step 32, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera bracket: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • The rear camera bracket is held in place by two metal clips.

    • Use tweezers to rotate the bracket toward the right edge of the iPad and release the side metal clip.

    • Pull the bracket toward the bottom of the iPad to release the top metal clip.

    • During reassembly, insert the top metal clip before rotating the side metal clip back into place.

  33. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the rear camera: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the rear camera: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the rear camera cable press connector.

  34. iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera: step 34, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera: step 34, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera: step 34, image 3 of 3
    • The rear camera is lightly adhered to the frame.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the rear camera and the frame.

    • Pry up to separate the adhesive securing the rear camera.

    • If you're having trouble separating the adhesive, apply a heated iOpener to the rear camera for two minutes.

    • Remove the rear camera.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our iPad 12.9" 3rd Generation Answers community for help.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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